Welcome to Modern Agriculture!

Types Of Planters And Planting Pots

Pots and Planters are a wonderful way to grow plants in locations where you would not ordinarily be able to, like a patio, or kitchen shelf. There are multiple types made of different materials, each with their own unique qualities. Keep reading for all the information that you need to choose the right container for your planting project.

1. Ceramic Pots

One of the most preferred indoor plant containers is ceramic pots and planters. They are kiln-baked, made of clay, and specially glazed to give a final glossy touch. Here are some pros and cons of ceramic pots:

Pros

Ceramic pots and planters are permeable and therefore air and water easily reach till the roots of the plants.
They are heavy in weight which makes them suitable for holding large growing foliage and they do not easily fall down with the wind.
They help the plants survive in extreme temperatures. During summers, they prevent excessive heat from entering and also lock the moisture in.

Cons

These pots usually come with only a single open area at the bottom which often results in inadequate drainage for most foliage and undergrowth. In order to tackle this problem, you might need to drill openings in your pots. As they are made of clay, they may break or become subject to damage.
They easily crack and chip in cold weather, which can ruin the entire appearance of your plant.
The curved shape of these planters makes re-potting and changing the soil in the plant a difficult task.

2. Plastic Pots

Plastic pots come in several colors, designs, textures, sizes, shapes, and various plastic materials. Plants are grown in them by adding potting soil. Here are a few pros and cons of plastic pots:

Pros

Plastic pots are durable and flexible. Varying temperatures don’t affect them much, therefore, they are less likely to break or get chipped and cracked.
They are cost-effective and therefore it is easy to replace them in case of any damage.
They are quite lightweight thereby you can move them whenever you want to.
There is a huge range of variety available therefore making it easier to find those that match your décor.

Cons

One disadvantage of plastic pots and planters is that they are not very permeable. Therefore the water circulation is not very effective. The trapped water and excessive moisture can damage the foliage and their roots. It is necessary for you to create holes and drainers for proper drainage.

3. Wooden Planters

If you are looking to save money without compromising on quality then wooden planters are the choice for you. Wooden planters are made of several materials such as rot-resistant hardwood, cedar, pressure-treated wood, etc.

Pros

With wooden pots, you can get as creative as you want. They are easy to paint therefore you can design them with any color, pattern, and textures that compliment your overall décor.
You can easily carry them. They are not as lightweight as the plastic ones but still feasible if you wish to relocate your planters frequently.
As compared to ceramic pots, it is relatively easy to drill holes in these planters as they are made of wood. This provides efficient drainage.
They protect plants from extreme weather conditions. During summers, they don’t absorb excessive heat; therefore, the roots remain protected.

Cons

The shapes available are very limited. If you like curved structures then wood is not the right choice for you.
In outdoors, sunlight, moisture, and frost can cause the wooden pots to spoil and rot.
As woodlice and ants feed on wood, these pots can be ruined by those destructive insects.
They require proper maintenance such as paint, drainers, and protection from dampness.

4. Concrete Pots

As the name suggests, concrete pots are made of concrete. Concrete is filled in molds shaped like planters. Once it dries completely, it is removed from the mold and the pot is ready. Here are a few pros and cons of concrete pots.

Pros

Concrete pots are durable and long lasting. They last for several years.
They come in a wide range of variety with different colors, patterns, and designs.
With good quality concrete pots, the color additives are blended by hand instead of just having a painted exterior. Therefore in case if your pot gets chipped, it won’t become obvious as all the layers of the pot will be of the same color.
These pots are considered to be eco-friendly.
They show resistance to extreme temperatures. They provide heat insulation for growing foliage and blossoms.

Cons

They are heavyweight. It is difficult to relocate these pots often. Moreover, if you drop them, they’re most likely to break.
These pots need to be left out in the rain before you plant your seeds in them. The dyes can cause the pH level of your soil to increase which in result may damage your plants.
It is best to keep these pots indoors if you live under freezing temperatures as they can easily crack and break.

5. Nursery Pots

Nursery pots are made of plastic and come in various sizes and grades. The 3 grades of nursery pots are:

Premium grade – Expensive, with big healthy plants.

Regular grade – Average cost, with normal quality plants.

Landscape grade – Cheap, with low-quality plants.

Following are the pros and cons of nursery pots:

Pros

They are strong and pliable. They can withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or chip easily.
They are cheap therefore even in case of any damage, they are easily replaceable.
They are extremely light in weight making them easy to be carried and moved around.

Cons

These pots are not very porous. Therefore nursery pots need to have a proper drainage system. You need to provide it with drainers or create holes in them so that excessive water doesn’t get trapped in them and ruin the plants.

6. Garden Planter Urns

The urn is more of an ornamental planter that adds to the decoration aspect of your garden. It comes in various sizes, patterns, shapes, and colors. Material is in an important factor when it comes to urns. Here are some materials of garden planter urns and the pros and cons that come each:

Plastic

Plastic garden planter urns are lightweight therefore you can easily relocate them. As they have a low price, the quality is compromised and thereby they tend to crack and break easily.

Wood

Good quality wood is durable, long-lasting, and can resist harshness of extreme temperatures. They are not that difficult to carry. As pests consume wood, these urns can be subject to rotting and damage.

Ceramic

Ceramic garden planter urns have a glossy appearance as they are glazed. They can hold heavy growing plants because of their weight. Although if you wish to move them often, that might not be feasible as they break and crack easily.

Concrete

Concrete garden planter urns are durable, eco-friendly, and last for decades. As with the ceramic ones, these are not easy to move therefore it is best to decide the ideal location before installing them.

7. Window Boxes

Window boxes are long, narrow boxes that are placed on an exterior windowsill. You can grow flowers and foliage in them and use them for displays, scented blossoms, and to attract birds and butterflies. Here are a few pros and cons of window boxes:

Pros

Even when the boxes are on the exterior, you can keep an eye on them and resolve any problems from inside.
Installation, as well as un-installation, is relatively a simple task.
They can be custom made so you can choose the style, size, and design that works the best for your windowsill.

Cons

It is possible that they block sunlight from entering indoors.
If your windows do not open, it can be a difficult task to water and maintain them.
Spraying insecticides and watering them may cause window rails and ledges to stain or rot.

8. Wall Planters

Wall planters are little plants that you can hang to create a vertical garden. Although they require minimum space, they come with some drawbacks as well. Here are some pros and cons of wall planters:

Pros

In a confined space, wall planters can contribute greatly to the décor. They are cost-effective and make up for exquisite art.
They are the perfect choice for people who are into minimalism. It can be displayed in a very organized manner and it doesn’t create any clutter.
It is easy to clean and maintain them.
They clear up the toxicity from indoor air.

Cons

Only limited plant varieties can be grown in them. As they are small in size, they don’t provide a lot of space for plants to grow out.
Things can get messy when the plants grow out of them. Dirt will fall out of the planters staining your walls.
It can be difficult to water them because of the limited space.

9. Vertical Planting Towers

Vertical planting towers usually make use of hydroponics i.e. the process of growing plants without soil. It uses sand, liquid or gravel to grow plants in a horizontal or vertical fashion. Here are some pros and cons of vertical planting towers:

Pros

With vertical planting towers and hydroponics, plants are not subject to growing seasons. They can thrive all year round.
The water usage is reduced about 20 times from typical gardening and farming.
As the environment is already controlled, pesticides and disease-control are not mandatory. This makes maintaining the plants easier.

Cons

The initial set-up costs of vertical planting towers can be very high.
After installation, the traditional knowledge of plants might not be enough to maintain the plants in these towers. Taking care of the growing foliage can require specialized equipment and technical knowledge.

10. Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets are circular planters and are ideal for small plants. They can add beauty and charm to any outdoor or indoor spaces. Here are a few pros and cons of hanging baskets:

Pros

Plants in the hanging basket are protected by any pet or any domestic animals as they are hung at a higher level and are out of their reach.
These are best to be used in confined spaces and to avoid clutter around your gardening area.
As they are lightweight and contain small plants, you can easily move them whenever you want to.
They are not that expensive so in case of damage they can be easily replaced.

Cons

As the space in small baskets is limited, only small plants can be grown in them as they don’t provide enough space for larger plants to grow out.
With the limited space, it can be difficult to water them without staining your walls.

You might also want to check out:

21 White Hanging Planters That Will Look Great on Your Wall

11. Grow Bags

Grow bags are large plastic or fabric bags used for growing plants. A growing medium is added in those bags and holes are cut in their uppermost surface in which plants are placed inside. Here are some pros and cons of cloth grow bags:

Pros

Roots tend to grow properly in cloth grow bags. They don’t curve back and make a cluster of tangled roots.
As fabrics are porous material, water drainage is extremely efficient.
Mildew doesn’t grow in abundance as the fabric doesn’t block all air from getting to the soil.
They are extremely portable, stored easily, inexpensive, and reusable. To reuse, all you need to do is empty the bag, wash it and let it dry completely.

Cons

Because of the air circulation, the soil dries out more quickly. However, you can add compost and mulch to avoid this problem.
They need a lot of water supply because of the extreme drainage. Moisture may cause insects to take over your plants and it is necessary to take measures to keep them at bay.

12. Railing Planters

Railing planters are a great alternative to add color to your boring, dull spaces when you don’t have enough room and resources to build a sizable garden. They come in different materials. Here are some pros and cons of rail planters according to their materials:

Coco Coir

Planters lined with coco coir lets a lot of air to pass through to the roots. They do need a lot of watering, as there’s extreme drainage and they can also dry from the wind. They are ideal for ornamental purposes.

Metal

Metal railing planters come in various designs and patterns but can cause be toxic to the soil. Moreover, water can cause them to rust and get damaged. They are relatively more prone to scratches by scraping.

Wood

Good quality wood works the best. They can be customized according to your choice. With these, you need to take measures to keep the wood-feeding pesticides away.

Plastic

They are durable and long-lasting. Like any other plastic planters, these railing pots need to have holes punched in them for proper drainage.

13. Raised Beds

These are freestanding garden beds that are located above ground level. The level of soil in the raised beds is above than the soil surrounding it. Unlike gardens or plants directly planted in the ground, in order to work with it, you don’t need to step over it. Following are some pros and cons of raised beds:

Pros

These beds provide better drainage that ensures longer growing seasons.
There’s minimum foot traffic as the bed is higher than the normal foot level and therefore the plants remain protected.

Cons

The initial set-up, installation, maintenance, and repairs can become costly.
As a lot of plants are squeezed into a compact area, there’s a lack of air circulation.

14. Terrariums

Terrariums are transparent sealed globes or containers resembling a globe, which are used to grow plants in them. Here are a few pros and cons of terrariums:

Pros

Terrariums make for a small-sized ecosystem which also adds to the beauty of a room.

Cons

They are not designed for living plants as the air circulation inside the little globes is very poor.
They almost never come with an efficient drainage system and hence tend to lock all moisture in which can cause algae and fungus to form inside.
Although they require sunlight, that doesn’t necessarily mean high heat. A heating effect can also take place.

If you think you are up for the task of giving the plants inside your gorgeous terrariums the attention they need by opening its lid on a regular basis and providing it with the required care then they might be worth the trouble.

15. Themed Planters

Themed planters are pots and containers in which you can grow plants but they are customized specially according to your needs. You can get them modified the way you want to. We’ve already discussed the pros and cons of different planters that come in different materials. Therefore, the material you choose for your themed planter is also completely up to you. Select the perfect material and the color and patterns that suit your décor the best and have a pot customized especially in your required shape and size.

16. Recycled (Homemade) Planters

If you don’t wish to spend a bulk of money on planters and desire to make one on your own, it is an easily achievable task. There are a lot of simple things that you use in your daily life that can be converted into cheeky planters. Here are a few of those ideas demonstrated with pictures for your guidance: